The Fort Jesus Museum, Mombasa: Kenya Coastal Safaris

The Fort Jesus: Kenya Coastal Safaris & Attractions

Fort Jesus is a famous tourist attraction in Coastal Kenya for being one of the most unique and preserved Portuguese military fortifications. Many Portuguese Warships from the 1697 Omani Siege are in the Museum. From Chinese Porcelain to Persian amulets, there are many artifacts to see.

Here are some of the attractions at the Fort Jesus:

Barnacled Earthenware jars
Art Exhibitions for upcoming artists
The 16th Century Portuguese military fortifications

Oman House’s historical structure
Chinese Porcelain
Persian Amulets

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The Fort Jesus Information & Facts

The Fort Jesus is a museum fort on Mombasa Island in Kenya.
It was developed between 1593 and 1596 by King Felipe I of Portugal.
The Portuguese people built the fort to protect the old Mombasa town.
Its design was by an Italian designer, Giovanni Baptista Cairato.
In 2011, UNESCO recognized the Fort Jesus Museum as a World Heritage site.

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The Fort Jesus Safaris and Tours

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Available Activities in the Fort Jesus Museum

Here are some of the attractions in the Fort Jesus:

Explore the Fort & Photography

Visitors can enter the Museum to explore the chambers, labyrinthine corridors, and ramparts. There are many rooms to explore and a rich collection of artifacts from the 15th Century. Also, the Portuguese people use the Water Cistern and Deep Well system.

Oman House

The Oman House is where the governor of East Africa Coast, present-day Kenya, and Tanzania lived for years. You can find the Sultan’s house in the fort.

Artifacts Exhibits

In the Fort Jesus, many artifacts are on display, including 42 Portuguese warships from the Oman Siege in 1697. There are also barnacled earthenware jars, Persian amulets, and Chinese Porcelains.

Swahili Cultural Center

The Fort Jesus is the center of traditional Swahili crafts and arts preservation.

Art Exhibitions

Young artists often use the fort as an art exhibition to showcase their art. It also acts as a meeting point for artists and business people.

Butterfly Exhibitions

Recently, the Museum added a butterfly exhibit. It allows visitors to see live butterflies and study their connection to the environment.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Fort Jesus?

You can visit the Fort Jesus Museum all year round. After all, it doesn’t rely much on the weather like other tourist destinations in the country. The fort is open daily, including holidays and weekends, from 8 am to 6 pm.

For people looking to enjoy the Mombasa coast besides visiting the Museum, it would be best to visit between June and August. The warm temperatures make it the perfect time to spend on the beach.

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View of Fort Jesus in Mombasa on a cloudy day, Kenya

Safety Guides and Tips

Get a professional tour guide from a credible Tours and Travel agency
Follow the listed guidelines from the Museum’s assistants
Carry the necessary documentation for identification
Take the necessary vaccinations
Get your safari guide to book your accommodation for your convenience

Fort Jesus Pricing & Entry Fees

Here are the charges for entering Fort Jesus in Mombasa Island for Kenyans, Easy-African residents, and foreigners:

Non-resident adults pay KES 1,200, while the children pay KES 600
East African adults pay KES 400, while the children pay KES 200
Kenyan citizens adults pay KES 200, while children pay KES 100

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Fort Jesus FAQs

What is Fort Jesus Museum Famous for?

It is known for being the most well-preserved example of the Portuguese military fortifications in the 16th Century. The fort also features some of the oldest artifacts.